This is my second year photographing one of the coolest birthday parties around. Lawson, 4, and Penny, 2, have birthdays within a few weeks of each other. In between is a little event called Mardi Gras. The family’s home is right on the parade route for the Krewe of Thoth, and the girls get their very own front seat on a ladder outside their front door. Childhood is a little different when you grow up in New Orleans. The girls have become accustomed to having floats roll by as they enjoy cupcakes and king cake with their friends and family. When they see a parade these days, they ask who’s having a birthday party. I absolutely love photographing the details their mom carefully creates on a table of purple, green and gold delectables. Happy Birthday Lawson and Penny!